Devolution, the key to closing Kenya’s development divide

By Robert Mutasi

When Kenya passed the delegation of Powers Act in 2013, it was a bold step towards equitable development and resource allocation.

By delegating powers and making decisions, this system aims to reduce the gap between isolated and efficient areas.

However, more than a decade later, the question remains: has the transfer of power lived up to its promises? Although significant progress has been made in bringing the service closer to the public, the remaining differences reflect the unused potential of this transformation system.

For many countries, the transfer of power has become a way of life, allowing them to invest in the necessary infrastructure, health and education.

However, for some, it is damaged by negativity, mismanagement, and lack of responsibility. At its core, the transfer of power is based on the principles of universal justice and participation.

To get rid of the Kenyan lag in development, the correct use of transferred funds is necessary. Isolated counties should prioritize projects addressing their unique challenges, from improving access to clean water in arid areas to building schools and health centers in underserved areas.

This requires not only resources, but also strategic planning and unwavering commitment to the public good. Responsibility is the key to the effective transfer of power.

For a long time, allocated funds have been lost due to corruption and bad governance. Counties should implement transparent budget processes, use technology to track costs, and enable local communities to claim better services. Citizens should not only be beneficiaries; they should be guards to ensure that leaders are responsible.

The involvement of local communities is also important. The transfer of power was designed to give Kenyans speech in making decisions affecting their lives.

To achieve realistic development, districts need to involve residents in priority and monitoring projects. When communities invest in governance, they become partners in ensuring sustainable development.

In addition, the national and territorial authorities should work together. The transfer of power was never intended to create separate structures; instead, it provided a model of cooperation in which two levels of government complement each other.

National policies should be directed to local needs, and countries should design and share knowledge to enhance their impact.

The transition process in Kenya is incomplete, but its capabilities remain enormous. By strengthening accountability, public participation, and government cooperation, the country can turn displacement into a powerful tool to bridge the development gap.

The goal is clear: to create a Kenya in which no region will be forgotten and every citizen can thrive.